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April Mock Draft

April Mock Draft

Draft Class: 2021
Created By: Z0ra
Published: Apr. 8, 2021 at 10:21 a.m.
Description
First and foremost, appreciate the support I got when I released my March Draft Rankings. Thanks!

If you haven't checked out my March Draft Rankings, here is the link:
https://www.capfriendly.com/mock-draft/163780

This mock draft is based off the standings dating back to April 4th.

By the end of the month, I should have my draft rankings for April as most players have risen and fallen.

This took a couple of days, so the standings may be different than the current standings.

Enjoy and if you have any feedback, please let me know in the comments.
ROUND 1TEAMORIGINALPLAYERDETAILS
1Logo of the Anaheim Ducks-Buffalo Sabres: Ideally the Sabres need everything at the moment. But they are playing better defensively than offensively so I have them taking a forward. Beniers is probably the consensus first overall pick at this point. Comparable to Dylan Larkin, Beniers plays a great two-way game. He is able to score goals and make great defensive plays. He mostly excelled during the World Juniors, playing in a top-six role as the youngest player on the roster.
2Logo of the Arizona Coyotes-Draft Pick ForfeitedAnaheim Ducks: I personally think the Ducks need a goal-scoring winger. What the Ducks have struggled to do for the past three seasons including this seasons is score goals. Guenther is a gifted goal-scorer and the perfect pick for Anaheim. His shot is probably the best in the draft and he is currently dominating in the WHL as he currently has 2 points per game. Right now at the date I started making this draft Guenther is 5th in total points in the WHL. The Ducks could draft Lysell at 2nd overall, but I find that Lysell is a risk because of the size at 5'10'', but its a high reward.
3Logo of the Seattle Kraken-Seattle Kraken: I have the Kraken taking the player with the highest ceiling. Eklund is still rising up the draft board and now I have him as a potential first overall pick. However, this is one of those high risk and high reward picks as his size is at 5'10''. But his potential is very good, Eklund could be a top-line winger in the future. Eklund's vision and overall skill make up for the size. I would say that Eklund has the best vision in the draft. His skating ability is also very solid as I find that he plays bigger than his size at times.
4Logo of the Boston Bruins-Ottawa Senators: Originally I had the Senators taking a defenseman, but with the emergence of Bernard-Docker, I no longer think they take a defenseman. Especially after taking Sanderson last year. I believe they take the forward with the highest ceiling, and that is Lysell. Both him and Eklund are two similar players. They are both high risk and high reward. The size is also the exact same. However, there are some differences. Lysell is more of a goal-scorer and Eklund is more of a two-way player. Lysell also don't have as much vision as Eklund. But still Lysell has great potential, he could be a top-line winger in the NHL someday.
5Logo of the Buffalo Sabres-Detroit Red Wings: I would personally say that the Red Wings are playing better defensively than offensively. So I think they avoid taking a defenseman and go with a forward instead. Johnson is probably the best playmaker in the draft, I would compare him to Marner. Very crafty with the puck and good skating ability. Although he didn't make the World Juniors unlike Beniers, Johnson is still having a great season at Michigan, averaging over a point per game. It also wouldn't be hard to scout Johnson as he plays close to Detroit. Was a winger, but has transitioned well to center. He has the potential to be the 2nd line center behind Larkin or even the top-line winger next to Larkin.
6Logo of the Calgary Flames-New Jersey Devils: This is the perfect pick for the Devils and also the perfect fit for Luke. As everyone knows, his brother Jack also plays for the Devils, so with Luke being drafted, it would form great chemistry on and off the ice. At this moment, Luke is the best defenseman in the draft. The potential isn't as high as Jack, but Luke still projects to be a reliable top-2 defenseman in the NHL. Also the Devils have several holes on the left side of their defensive core, and Luke will fill one of those holes. Severson, Subban, and Butcher make up a solid group of right-shot defenseman. Luke plays a solid offensive game, plays with size at 6'2'' and great skating ability.
7Logo of the Carolina Hurricanes-Los Angeles Kings: The Kings have gone forward heavy the past four drafts, so I think its time they take a defenseman. I think they should take the best one available, and in my eyes that's Power. A month ago, he used to be the consensus No. 1 pick but with recent production he's fallen. But I still can't see him falling out of the top 10, his potential is big. Can easily be a top-two defenseman for the Kings. Power adds size to his game and his two-way ability is amazing. Clarke does have the higher ceiling, but the Kings are set on the right side with Doughty.
8Logo of the Chicago Blackhawks-Calgary Flames: The Flames have Zary as a decent center prospect. Valimaki and Andersson make up a good list of defensive prospects. So I think the Flames take a winger in Sillinger. He has great goal-scoring ability and adds size up close to the net. With Zary being a playmaking center, you can have Sillinger as the sniper on the same line and it would be dangerous against the opposition.
9Logo of the Colorado Avalanche-Vancouver Canucks: This is a steal as my March Draft Rankings have Clarke being taken at 4th overall. If Clarke is available at 9th, no reason the Canucks pass on him. They need defenseman, they have Hoglander and Podkolzin as solid prospects at the position. Clarke plays a great offensive game, similar to Luke Hughes. The Canucks have Quinn on the left side. What makes Luke have a higher ceiling than Clarke is the skating. I feel like Luke's skating ability is better than Clarke's.
10Logo of the Columbus Blue Jackets-I think the Blue Jackets need a playmaking center. If they do just that, Laine's goal production will be boosted and Torts won't bench him. It is bold to put Raty in the top ten, but he is the player that the Blue Jackets need. Raty's playmaking ability is outstanding and his skating is decent as well.
11Logo of the Dallas Stars-For the past two seasons (including this season), the Stars have lacked star power up front. Lucius, with his hard shot, provides a lot of star power. He has one of the hardest shots in the draft and great skating ability up close to the net. He is a natural center, but has went through injuries that hurt his draft stock. Another high risk yet high reward pick.
12Logo of the Detroit Red Wings-San Jose Sharks: The Sharks probably have the worst goalie tandem in the NHL. Wallstedt can make the tandem better within 1-2 seasons of development. He has great athleticism, agility, and endurance. Wallstedt can alter the Sharks franchise once he makes the NHL.
13Logo of the Edmonton Oilers-St. Louis Blues: The Blues get the biggest riser of the draft, particularly the month of March. He can easily be the replacement for Pietrangelo. Like Pietrangelo, Svozil is able to be a leader on the ice and also plays with a lot of skill. His hockey IQ is amazing as he is smart with the puck. Exactly what the Blues need, they should not take a forward with this pick.
14Logo of the Florida Panthers-
Matthew Coronato
Chicago Blackhawks: This is on the higher end of where Coronato is projected to go, but he deserves it judging by his dominance in the USHL. I feel like the Blackhawks need right wingers more than defenseman. Like Svozil, Coronato has been on the latest risers in the draft. Coronato is a very offensive-minded forward and plays an outstanding two-way game. Very work ethical as well as Coronato is a very on the power play and a strong penalty killer.
15Logo of the Los Angeles Kings-
No Pick
Arizona Coyotes: its been forfeited, forgot they were a team lol
16Logo of the Minnesota Wild-New York Rangers: The Rangers do need defense more than forwards, but at this point it would be a reach to take the defenseman available. Instead they address their secondary need which is a top-six center. McTavish is one of the best goal-scorers in the draft and he will fit perfectly alongside Lafreniere, the playmaker. With the two as a duo, they will be dangerous against the opposition. This is on the lower end of where McTavish should be taken, he is projected to be taken around 10-20.
17Logo of the Montreal Canadiens-Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have a deep forward core, so I expect them to take a defenseman. Ceulemans has the potential to become a reliable top-4 defenseman in the NHL. Very offensive minded, but doesn't put up as much points as the other defenseman taken already.
18Logo of the Nashville Predators-Nashville Predators: I personally think that the Predators need a goal-scoring winger. And Pastujov is exactly that. Probably the best goal-scorer available at this point. They missed out of Jarvis last year, but Pastujov is somewhat similar to Jarvis in terms of play style: both are snipers.
19Logo of the New Jersey Devils-Montreal Canadiens: With this pick, the Canadiens get the pick who has the best hockey IQ in the draft. Bolduc makes smart decisions with the puck and he is also able to make defensive plays neutral. I think the Canadiens need depth up front and Bolduc of course will provide enough depth.
20Logo of the New York Islanders-Boston Bruins: After the losses of Chara and Krug, the Bruins should draft a defenseman to replace one of Chara or Krug. They will go with Edvinsson, who has the entire package. Very competitive and great two-way game. A very complete defenseman. Exactly what the Bruins need, I expect them to go heavy on defenseman in this draft.
21Logo of the New York Rangers-Winnipeg Jets: I think the Jets take the player they need most. Not only a defenseman, but a defensive defenseman. Also I think Winnipeg is the perfect fit of Lambos as he plays in their backyard known as the Winnipeg Ice. The reason he doesn't put up as many points is because he's a defensive defenseman. Usually those type of defenseman don't put up a lot of points. Because Lambos plays in Winnipeg, it will also be easy for Chevy to scout his game. The Jets missed out on Drysdale and Sanderson last season, so there is no way the Jets pass up on Lambos if he's available.
22Logo of the Ottawa Senators-Edmonton Oilers: As a Jets fan, I watch a lot of Oilers games. While watching, I see they lack a physical presence. L'Heureux can provide that physical presence needed. He is easily the most physical player in the draft as well as he can score goals.
23Logo of the Philadelphia Flyers-Minnesota Wild: With this pick, the Wild address both their primary and secondary needs: a center and a power play specialist. Pinelli is that type of player: a center and a penalty killer. Right now their penalty kill is bottom-five in the NHL and the Wild's center core is roughly thin. Add Pinelli to the centers they have, he can be the Wild's future second-line center behind Rossi.
24Logo of the Minnesota WildLogo of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Sebastian Cossa
Minnesota Wild (via Pittsburgh Penguins): Even though the Wild's goaltending has been great this season, Talbot isn't that young. Cossa can easily replace Talbot, he has that type of potential. At the time I'm making this, Cossa is currently undefeated in the games he's played. Cossa and Kahkonen can be an outstanding tandem within 2-3 seasons.
25Logo of the San Jose Sharks-Vegas Golden Knights: The Golden Knights have a deep team, so they should take the best player available. Right now it is Robertsson, who has been rising in terms of draft stock. This is probably at the lower end of where I see him being taken. He is classified as one of the fastest players in the draft.
26Logo of the St. Louis Blues-New York Islanders: I personally think that goal-scoring for the Islanders hasn't been consistent, some nights they are able to score, other nights they aren't able to score. Also their defense is one of the best in the NHL so I think regardless the Islanders will take a forward. With Barzal, Wahlstrom, and Pageau as three great centers, the Islanders will likely take a winger. The best goal-scorer out there is Othmann. Don't know much about Othmann, but I do know he's a sniper, which again is the type of player the Islanders need.
27Logo of the Tampa Bay Lightning-Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs have Sandin and Liljegren as solid defensive prospect so I predict they will take a forward. They also have Robertson and Amirov as two solid wingers so I think they go with a center in Dean. He is one of the bigger risers in this draft. Dean has elite playmaking skills and great explosiveness with his skating. This is on the higher end of where he's projected to be taken. I could see Dean being selected between 25- 40.
28Logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs-
Scott Morrow
Carolina Hurricanes: For the whole season I had the Hurricanes taking Cossa. But with the emergence of Nedeljikovic, I don't think that will be the case. However, there are rumors that they will trade for a rental defenseman. So I think the Hurricanes set themselves up long-term by grabbing the best defenseman available. And that defenseman is Morrow. Like Dean and Coronato, Morrow is another big riser. Morrow is all about offense and his skating ability is amazing.
29Logo of the Vancouver Canucks-Washington Capitals: The Capitals are a deep team, so they choose the best player available, regardless of position. Chibrikov is that player. There is some risk with this pick because Chibrikov plays in Russia, so it will take him a while to develop. Approximately three to four seasons it will take to get to the NHL. Like Robertsson, Chibrikov is one of the fastest players in the draft. He also has great vision with the puck as he is able to find open spaces.
30Logo of the Vegas Golden Knights-Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning also have a deep team, so they grab the best player available, regardless of position. At this point it is Olausson, who is all about offense. He plays with size as well and plays with a lot of speed.
31Logo of the Washington Capitals-Colorado Avalanche: I think the Avalanche are set up on defense with Byram, Timmins, Makar, and Barron. So they should take a forward regardless. They have Newhook as the future 2nd line center behind MacKinnon, so they go with a winger in Stankoven. He is very versatile in terms of position as Stankoven can play center or both wings. More than likely the Avalanche will use him on the wing. His size at 5'8'' isn't appealing, but his lethal shot makes up for it. And putting him alongside Newhook in the future would create a deadly duo.
32Logo of the Winnipeg Jets-Florida Panthers: The Panthers really don't have much young defenseman besides Ekblad, so I think regardless the Panthers take a defenseman. Right now I don't see Chayka falling any further than this, it would be a steal at this point if the Panthers land Chayka. He is able to play under high-pressure situations and also excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
Apr. 8, 2021 at 11:03 a.m.
#1
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buf takes eklund
Z0ra liked this.
Apr. 8, 2021 at 12:45 p.m.
#2
True Reverse Retro
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100% agree on Dallas taking Lucius. The way just about every mock has played out, Dallas has been in the range of Raty and/or Lucius. If either of those guys are on the board at 10 (give or take a pick or two depending on the rest of the season), they should be sprinting to the podium to announce the pick.

Positionally, Dallas needs RD in their organization, but early teens is too far to reach for a kid like Ceulemans or Morrow. In terms of play-style, Dallas is in desperate need of goal scoring prospects. They've got a handful of two-way guys (though none with a very high ceiling), but lack any kind of pure goal scoring touch from any of their prospects. Lucius is a NEEDED addition for Dallas
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Apr. 8, 2021 at 12:49 p.m.
#3
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Not really a fan of Dean, from what I've seen. Would prefer Svechkov as a Center option.
Apr. 8, 2021 at 12:49 p.m.
#4
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No way does this draft see more Forwards than D go in the top 5, especially not 5 straight forwards. I still think it's Power going 1st (though he's not my personal number 1). Dmen who can do the things that he can do combined with his size and skating are impossible to just find. I think he goes 1st, then it should go Guenther then Beniers imo (Guenther has the highest offensive ceiling in the draft). After Power, I still think Clarke has the biggest upside as an impactful NHL D so I would have him 4th, even though he could slip due to limited visibility this year. After that, it should be Hughes or Edvinsson imo, though it the team drafting prefers an F, I could see Johnson or Lysell going.

The fact that you have Edvinsson as low as 20 (or 19 I guess) is mind-boggling to me. He's got so much potential, I can't see him falling out of the top 10. Him falling to the Bruins would be a crime.
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Apr. 8, 2021 at 1:22 p.m.
#5
Thread Starter
power forward
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Quoting: LeafsFanForSomeReason
Not really a fan of Dean, from what I've seen. Would prefer Svechkov as a Center option.


Never heard of Svechkov before, thanks for the feedback!
Apr. 8, 2021 at 1:29 p.m.
#6
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Quoting: christianyog
Never heard of Svechkov before, thanks for the feedback!


First name is Fyodor if you're interested in looking into him.
Apr. 8, 2021 at 4:37 p.m.
#7
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Quoting: Claesson4Norris
No way does this draft see more Forwards than D go in the top 5, especially not 5 straight forwards. I still think it's Power going 1st (though he's not my personal number 1). Dmen who can do the things that he can do combined with his size and skating are impossible to just find. I think he goes 1st, then it should go Guenther then Beniers imo (Guenther has the highest offensive ceiling in the draft). After Power, I still think Clarke has the biggest upside as an impactful NHL D so I would have him 4th, even though he could slip due to limited visibility this year. After that, it should be Hughes or Edvinsson imo, though it the team drafting prefers an F, I could see Johnson or Lysell going.

The fact that you have Edvinsson as low as 20 (or 19 I guess) is mind-boggling to me. He's got so much potential, I can't see him falling out of the top 10. Him falling to the Bruins would be a crime.


Shockingly, it's not just him that has Edvinsson that low. Corey Pronman of the Athletic also ranked him in the low 20's. I've personally been not impressed with Corey's work the past 2 ish years when it comes to prospect rankings, but it goes to show that OP isn't the only person with issues regarding Edvinsson. I'm with you though. I expect Powers to be gone early, and I'm hoping Edvinsson is available with the Kings pick which should be somewhere in the 7-10 range.
Apr. 8, 2021 at 9:17 p.m.
#8
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Beniers is not even close to being the consensus #1. This is the first draft since 2017 where there is not a consensus first overall guy.
 
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